Many parents fall victim to the thinking that kids have nothing to be stressed about. Sure, they have a different set of concerns than their parents, but teens and even young children are greatly affected by their surroundings. Situations at home (divorce, loss of a parent's job, a new sibling, etc.), school (pressure to excel, sports schedules, etc.), and social pressures (bullying, social media, unrealistic social expectations, etc.) can all increase stress in youth beyond their coping capacities.

The Troubling Effects of Stress on Teens and What Parents Can Do To Help

Symptoms of Stress in Children and Teens

Children and teens manifest stress in different ways depending on their life stages. However, there are some similarities that, when observed, could indicate a child needs emotional support. The following are all symptoms of stress that parents should keep an eye out for:

Moodiness and irritability — Teenagers may have a reputation for being moody. Still, over-the-top irritability is more likely the result of stress and an inability to handle the emotions it causes.
Physical illnesses — Stress can aggravate physical illness, resulting in conditions such as headaches, dysautonomia, and bruxism. The stress must be addressed to resolve these conditions.
Defiant behaviour — Youth experiencing stress often act out, with previously well-behaved kids getting into sometimes serious trouble.
Withdrawal from social situations — Changing social circles is normal in adolescence. However, stress causes children to withdraw from most or all social activities, even ones they have long enjoyed.
Increased anxiety — Stress in children and teens can lead to increased anxiety. In younger children, this could manifest as a monster under the bed or the need for a night light. In teens, you may notice strong worries about friends, college applications, and an uncertain future.

Ways Parents Can Support Youth Mental Health

Parents have an obligation to identify signs of stress (the earlier, the better) and address them. Luckily, there are many things adults can do to support positive mental health in children and teens. The following approaches can help children develop coping strategies that they can use to manage stress throughout their lives. In some cases, seeking additional support, such as a troubled teen group home in Phoenix, can provide teens with a structured environment to learn effective stress management skills.

Discuss the Dangers of Social Media

There has been a huge amount of press given to the dangers of social media. Research shows a clear link between social media use and mental health. On the one hand, they increase social interaction, which is critical to youth development. However, on the other, the heavy use of filters causes youth to compare themselves to artificial (and impossible, unrealistic) beauty standards. That can be emotionally traumatic for teens dealing with changing bodies and social expectations.

Several states are looking at legislation to limit social apps, schools are banning them, and the federal government is even considering ways to curb use. These should all be red flags to parents that it's time to speak with kids about responsible social media use. Setting use limits may work in some situations, but informing kids about critically evaluating information is likely a more effective strategy in the long run.

Counter Negative Self Talk

Being aware of the dangers of self-talk is another avenue for parents to support mental health in kids. The key is not only spotting it but also taking action to counter it. Pointing out unrealistic or unlikely negative scenarios and asking youth to think about the probability of them happening can help arm children with the skills needed to stop negative comments on their own.

Encourage Youth To Talk About Their Feelings

Young children often have little trouble talking about their feelings. However, that willingness wanes in later years. Unfortunately, the need to discuss feelings, thoughts, and concerns does not diminish. Parents must encourage children to be open and honest about their emotions. At the same time, they need to realize that kids may be more comfortable talking to a safe adult that is not their own parent.

Stress is a major problem for many young people today. It can cause symptoms that affect virtually every sphere of life. Luckily, tools are available to help parents support positive mental health in their children.